Western Media: Canada Seeks "Military Umbrella" from Europe

According to a report by Reference News on September 27, the Spanish website "Confidential Report" published an article on September 24 titled "What Canada Seeks in Brussels That the U.S. Underestimates: A Military Umbrella for Europe," authored by Celia Massa. The full text is excerpted as follows:

The U.S. government's threats to Canada's territorial sovereignty, punitive tariff measures, and its wavering commitment to NATO defense obligations have inevitably pushed Ottawa closer to Europe, which has opened its arms to welcome this partner.

Earlier this year, Canada became the first non-European country to join the "European Security Action" tool (SAFE). This is a €150 billion plan supported by the EU, aimed at enhancing military capabilities by providing long-term low-interest loans. This move marks an important step taken by the Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to strengthen transatlantic industrial and military ties, further solidified by the selection of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as the preferred supplier for Canada's largest defense project in history this summer. Although this deal is not a formal part of the SAFE plan, it reflects the same strategic shift towards diversifying suppliers while reducing traditional reliance on the U.S.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems won the bidding and will negotiate to provide up to 12 advanced submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy. The first four submarines are scheduled for delivery by 2034.

Canada, which has long lagged behind other NATO countries in military investment, is rapidly changing its approach. In July, at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to increase the defense budget from a low level of just 1.5% of GDP in 2024 to 4% over the next two years.

The choice of submarines reflects this sense of urgency. Ottawa began considering replacing its four aging submarines, which have frequent malfunctions, five years ago, but progress has been very slow. However, after Trudeau took office, a Defense Investment Agency was established to streamline and accelerate the previously sluggish military procurement process.

Yuri Kormiye, a defense expert at the University of Ottawa, pointed out that these new submarines lack land-attack capabilities, indicating that they will primarily undertake defensive missions. Their mission will be to protect the Arctic region and maritime routes used by allies. Furthermore, given that several NATO countries are already using or planning to use submarines produced by this German manufacturer, their "interoperability and supply of spare parts will be highly advantageous."

Analysts also believe that the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the new submarines will enhance Ottawa's value within the "Five Eyes" alliance.

Trudeau is also leading the establishment of a "NATO Bank," officially named the "Bank for Defense, Security, and Resilience." The goal of this bank is to enhance the strength of allies by raising up to $135 billion in low-interest loans.

Ottawa is also considering reducing the number of F-35 fighter jets procured from the U.S. company Lockheed Martin and supplementing them with Saab's Gripen fighter jets.

As part of a strategy for diplomatic and military diversification, the Trudeau government has applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). This alliance, led by the UK, aims for rapid deployment to deter threats from Russia in the North Sea, North Atlantic, Arctic, and Baltic regions.

Defense analyst Keir Giles from the Royal United Services Institute noted, "Due to the UK's own capability shortfalls, the alliance has not been able to function effectively, and its actual status is far below what it should be. However, adjustments to the membership structure may bring about a new situation."

The Joint Expeditionary Force invited Ottawa to join in 2015, but the then Canadian government rejected the proposal on the grounds that "there is no imminent threat." Previously, the invitees were limited to NATO member countries located in Northern Europe and the Baltic region. However, the North Atlantic area that the alliance is responsible for defending is also a region where Canada plays a key role. Therefore, Canada's potential membership is geographically reasonable.

Giles also emphasized, "Considering the purpose of the JEF, the cultural ties between Canada and other member countries, and the shared vision among all parties in addressing existing threats in the region, Canada's joining the alliance is a logical step." This expert added that Canada "is now fully aware of the risks of over-reliance on the U.S." (Translation/ Wang Meng)